The Way Of A Medieval Knight

Being a knight in the Middle Ages was not as easy as one would think. For one, he was required to have mad skills and impeccable strength in times of fighting. However, he also had to keep his aggression in balance while displaying respectable behavior, as dictated by the knight’s code. This code wasn’t just a mere set of edicts and statutes to follow, but extended beyond that to be understood by all as a moral system. And thus, chivalry was born implementing a code of conduct that every knight should strive for with values of courage, honor, courtesy, and the utmost treatment of women.

The Knight’s Code of Chivalry dates back to the 12th century and was widespread, even making appearances in literature, one of the most popular being “The Song of Roland”. In this piece, the code is laid out as follows:

fear God and maintain His Church

To serve the liege lord in valour and faith

To protect the weak and defenseless

To give succour to widows and orphans

To refrain from the wanton giving of offence

To live by honour and for glory

To despise pecuniary reward

To fight for the welfare of all

To obey those placed in authority

To guard the honour of fellow knights

To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit

To keep faith

At all times to speak the truth

To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun

To respect the honour of women

Never to refuse a challenge from an equal

Never to turn the back upon a foe

Knight mace:

The values of the Knight’s Code were also reflected in the vows made during a knighting ceremony. Needless to say, these were not to be taken lately. As the saying goes, “With great honor comes great responsibility”. The Knight’s Code lasted through the Middle Ages, though undergoing a few changes, and continued through the Dark Ages, as well as laying a foundation for conduct in other cultures.